Stories
These global stories are about the power of Special Olympics to inspire hope, confidence and courage. Special Olympics changes the lives of our athletes with intellectual disabilities but also our coaches, families, volunteers and others who have the opportunity to take part.
Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics
Every year brave souls line up to take an icy plunge, the Polar Plunge! The Polar Plunge—sometimes held in conjunction with the Law Enforcement Torch Run— is a huge fundraising effort benefiting Special Olympics and the athletes.
1 Min Read
Singer Andy Grammer Shares His Excitement about Being a Coach for the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game
The Special Olympics movement is driven by our volunteers with more than 1.1 million donating their time and expertise. Andy Grammer, triple-platinum singer/songwriter, stepped up this year as a volunteer coach for the 2020 NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game.
1 Min Read
The Power of Youth Leadership: Driving Unified Sports in Sweden
In 2019, Isak Langfors and Olle Ekman from Uppsala in Sweden had a simple dream—to ensure that young people with intellectual disabilities in their city could experience the joy of football.
2 Min Read
Gaining Confidence with Micheline
In finding inclusion, Micheline also found confidence and independence.
Speed Skater from Dehli Triumphs in Sweden
On 1 February 2020, 300 remarkable athletes from 20 different countries gathered in Åre and Östersund for the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games.
1 Min Read
"I completely nailed it" – Special Olympics Great Britain Skater Clinches Silver!
One thing that’s clear during the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2020 is the powerful sense of comradery: everyone seemed to cheer everyone else on.
1 Min Read
Special Olympics Named Among Top 100 Proposals for MacArthur Foundation $100M Grant
Global expansion of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools was announced as one of the top proposals in helping to solve one of the world’s most crucial social challenges
3 Min Read
Down to the Wire at the 2020 NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game
Every year, for the past nine years, a select group of talented Special Olympics athletes and basketball superstars past and present, form two teams, lace up and battle it out in the NBA Cares Special Olympics Unified Basketball Game!
1 Min Read
Wilson: Creating Change
By experiencing inclusion in his workplace, Wilson has seen how important it is that we learn from each other.
Special Olympics Chief Health Officer Speaks About Need for More Inclusive Health
Despite severe need and higher health risks, people with intellectual disabilities lack equitable access to health services and die, on average, 16 years earlier than the general population.
1 Min Read
Celebrating Black History Month
Special Olympics Board Vice Chair, Loretta Clairborne, celebrates the black athletes who have contributed to the Special Olympics movement.
Jasmine Explains Acceptance
Inclusion brings out the best in everyone by allowing us to accept people for who they are.